Tel Aviv/Gaza, 26 October 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have made a limited tank advance in the north of the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas.

The army announced on Thursday morning that during the night "numerous terrorists, terrorist infrastructure and launching pads for anti-tank missiles" were found and attacked.

After the advance was over, the soldiers left the area again, it said.

It was part of preparations "for the next phases of combat," the IDF said.

Israel's military has already made several limited advances into the Gaza Strip over the past two and a half weeks. They are considered preparations for a planned ground offensive by Israel.

Photo: X

In preparation for the next stages of combat, the IDF operated in northern Gaza.

IDF tanks & infantry struck numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts.

The soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory. pic.twitter.com/oMdSDR84rU

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 26, 2023